NPNF2-08. Basil: Letters and Select Works - Holy Bible Institute

To Gregory, his uncle.I shall be all the better for being rebuked. This is impossible if we never meet. But, if I amdoing no wrong, for what am I disliked? So much I offer in my own defence.3. As to what the Churches might say in their own behalf, perhaps it is better for me tobe silent: they reap the result of our disagreement, and it is not to their gain. I am notspeaking to indulge my grief but to put a stop to it. And your intelligence, I am sure, hassuffered nothing to escape you. You will yourself be better able to discern and to tell toothers points of far greater importance than I can conceive. You saw the mischief done tothe Churches before I did; and you are grieving more than I am, for you have long learntfrom the Lord not to despise even the least. 2220 And now the mischief is not confined toone or two, but whole cities and peoples are sharers in my calamities. What need to tellwhat kind of report will spread about me even beyond our borders? It were well for you,large hearted as you are, to leave the love of strife to others; nay rather, if it be possible, toroot it from their hearts, while you yourself vanquish what is grievous by endurance. Anyangry man can defend himself, but to rise above the actual anger belongs only to you, andany one as good as you, if such there be. One thing I will not say, that he who has a grudgeagainst me is letting his anger fall on the innocent. Do then comfort my soul by coming tome, or by a letter, or by inviting me to come to you, or by some means or other. My prayeris that your piety may be seen in the Church and that you may heal at once me and thepeople, both by the sight of you and by the words of your good grace. If this be possible itis best; if you determine on any other course I shall willingly accept it. Only accede to myentreaty that you will give me distinct information as to what your wisdom decides.1612220 cf. Matt. xviii. 10.477